Page 51 of Definitely (Maybe) Dating
She’d been judged her entire life, so even though she wanted to believe him, she was a little leery. “It usually works better when people get to know me in smaller doses.”
“I’ll take you in any dose you’re willing to give,” he said, and a flutter started deep in her chest.
How did he do that? Make her feel special and desirable? It produced a dilemma of the most complicated kind. Getting wrapped up in a man who was her opposite was never a good idea.
“I don’t get to say this very often but thank you for coming through on your word.”
“I always come through.”
Her history warned her not to believe in that, but the usually silenced romantic part told her she was safe with him. So, just for tonight, she decided she should go with it.
He took a piece of her windblown hair and let it slide through his fingers. “How do you normally celebrate?”
“Alone.”
“How about Friday, after you get off, you come with me and celebrate at my family’s bar?”
“You mean, celebrate alone together?” she teased.
“I’ve come to like being alone with you.”
She’d come to like a whole lot of things when it came to Josh. “I’m teaching at Urban Soul and have a late portrait session Friday, so I won’t be home until seven.”
“Then, I’ll pick you up at seven.”
At the prospect of going on a real, pick-you-up-at-the-door date, rocket-powered hormones blasted through her better judgment. “You can come inside now if you want. I’m making brownies for dessert.”
“I love brownies,” he said as if she were a plate of chocolate chewy goodness and he was going to eat her up whole. “But I’d better not.”
“Why? Because of Rebecca?”
“Because of this.” His big, beautiful body pressed her up against the doorway, and he ran his hands through her hair, gripping her head and holding her steady. Then he kissed her.
Their lips made contact, and all logic flew out the window, making room for all kinds of feelings. All the feels all at once. Need, lust, desire, and something more tender than before that had her head sounding the alarm:In case of an emergency, save yourself first.
He opened his mouth on hers, and she decided she could save herself later. Like after this game ofget to know youlater.
His hands raked through her hair, to the back of her neck, before he started the long, slow descent south until he had a palm full of her butt—which seemed to be his favorite place on the planet. He squeezed, and she let out a low hum of arousal, which made him squeeze a little harder. And just when she thought they could take this interlude to his car, he abruptly broke the kiss.
They were both breathing ragged, and they were both fired up and ready to go. It was just like in the park, only better. The pull was intense, like two magnets daring science to keep them apart.
“I think I see the problem,” she said, and he pressed into her. “Oh,it’s a really,reallybig problem.”
His gaze dropped to her lips, then her nipples that were pressing against her top. “A problem for another night. When you don’t have company.”
“Maybe I should invite you over for company some night soon.”
“Is tomorrow too soon?”
??
With the promise of tomorrow, Piper barely slept a wink. Every time she closed her eyes, she relived that kiss. Which was why she’d kept her lids tightly shut as long as possible, even sleeping through four alarms.
Wanting to shoot the chalk art downtown before the city came alive and the sidewalks were bustling with people, her morning started early. She thought about waking Rebecca and asking her if she wanted to join in for a fun field trip exploring Portland’s beautiful street art. Piper knew of a few mural paintings in the warehouse district which had popped up. She was hoping it would help inspire the teenager and show her how beautiful and powerful expression could be.
After a quick shower, she slipped on a pair of jean shorts and a faded rock tee, then headed downstairs to make some breakfast. Normally, Piper would make herself cereal or yogurt, but she wanted to get as many calories into Rebecca as she could.
Chocolate chip pancakes, country potatoes, and bacon. Only when she tapped on Rebecca’s door the girl didn’t make a sound, so Piper decided to leave a covered plate on the counter with a note telling her to stay as long as she wanted.
